• > I live in a country where manual transmission is the default.

    Basically, the world except USA/Canada.

    I learnt and drove manual for my first 8 or 9 years, then switched to auto, in the beginning it’s quite strange I agree. Then, yes, manufacturer added paddle on the steering wheel or a +/- shifter. I have one and my latest car, never used it, it’s always on “D”, and as it’s an hybrid I’m not sure playing with fake gears will help saving gas.

    • My biggest pet peeve are auto manufacturers adding fake shifts to CVTs.

      Not only it feels and sounds awful, then what’s the point of a CVT then? I know “regular” drivers aren’t used to it but it’s a freaking CVT. That’s the whole point.